Extra fluid behind baby's neck

belgirl

I wanted to post this for mother's who have just had a child and had a similar situation:

I went in for a normal ultrasound today at 10 weeks 5 days and everything looked good--measuring on track and heard the heartbeat.  But the Dr. said there was a little extra fluid behind the neck.  She said it could go down, but probably not in my case since I am over 40.  (whatever that means)  She said it was too early to measure - it could mean Down's Syndrome, heart defect or nothing at all.  Anyone else have this same issue and end up having a perfectly normal child?  

strawny0807

Did the doctor tell you if it was a cystic hygroma?  And did you opt for the twelve week ultrasound?  That should be able to give you more information or give you the option of further testing.  Good luck!!

mhchaela

I went in for genetic testing right around that time and the nuchal translucency came back abnormal. We were worried for weeks! I had follow up blood tests and they tested my amniotic fluid and after a lot of waiting it all came back normal. We have a happy healthyalmost 4 month old. It's terrifying when doctors mention down's and heart problems so I definitely know how you're feeling. My only advice is don't over think it, you will drive yourself crazy. Good luck!

belgirl

Thanks for the encouragement.  We aren't going to do any further testing and no she didn't mention cystic hygroma--I think because its too early to tell.  Sometimes I think too much information is not a good thing...

HZ2012

I took the MaterniT21 blood test. Non invasive and 98 or 99% (or around there) accurate. See if your dr offers it if you're concerned. Don't let them scare you with age. I'm 35 and they made such a big deal about being "advanced maternal age". Plenty of women your age have perfectly healthy babies.

carrotcake06

belgirl said:

Thanks for the encouragement.  We aren't going to do any further testing and no she didn't mention cystic hygroma--I think because its too early to tell.  Sometimes I think too much information is not a good thing...

I haven't had this situation, but I'm sure there are plenty of women in the same position that go on to have healthy babies. I assume when you say that you're not having any further testing that you'll still have an anatomy scan at 20w? You may be able to get more information then. However, as pp mentioned, there are other non-invasive ways toget you answers sooner.

belgirl

Oh yes, we will have the anatomy scan at 20 weeks.  I guess I wish she hadn't said anything since she also said it was too early to tell and it wasn't even a NT scan.  

Mummymates

We went through this exact thing. High NT rating of 4.3 at 12 weeks (wrong diagnosis of cycstic hygroma at 8 weeks...absolutely horrifying). We opted for an amnio it came back showing of genetic abnormalities. At the 20 week ultrasound there was a small amount of fluid around the heart. We had an echo and they couldn't find anything wrong. The rest of the pregnancy progressed smoothly and I have a beautiful, perfect 2 week old baby girl lying next to me as I type this. Hang in there.

Mummymates

Sorry that should say NO genetic abnormalities.

belgirl

Mummymates said:

We went through this exact thing. High NT rating of 4.3 at 12 weeks (wrong diagnosis of cycstic hygroma at 8 weeks...absolutely horrifying). We opted for an amnio it came back showing of genetic abnormalities. At the 20 week ultrasound there was a small amount of fluid around the heart. We had an echo and they couldn't find anything wrong. The rest of the pregnancy progressed smoothly and I have a beautiful, perfect 2 week old baby girl lying next to me as I type this. Hang in there.

Thank you for sharing your experience.  I have read more and more about this very same thing happening.  You have given me hope.  Thanks,

CNYBride05

Mummymates said:

We went through this exact thing. High NT rating of 4.3 at 12 weeks (wrong diagnosis of cycstic hygroma at 8 weeks...absolutely horrifying). We opted for an amnio it came back showing of genetic abnormalities. At the 20 week ultrasound there was a small amount of fluid around the heart. We had an echo and they couldn't find anything wrong. The rest of the pregnancy progressed smoothly and I have a beautiful, perfect 2 week old baby girl lying next to me as I type this. Hang in there.

This for us as well. Baby B was misdiagnosed due to a premature NT measurement. She's nursing now and absolutely perfect . We opted out of amnio due to risk. You are at increased risk for Downs due to your age. Why aren't you having an NT scan at 12w?

belgirl

Because the NT scan is only risk based not a diagnosis - and we already know we are at high risk because of age.  We aren't going to abort or do an invasive testing, and our OBGYN agrees that if we aren't going to change our course of action, there is no reason to get all worked up over an NT scan (which often can cause unnecessary worry) when she will be able to tell if there are any issues at a 16 and 20 week ultrasound with fetal echo.  

CNYBride05 said:

Mummymates said:

We went through this exact thing. High NT rating of 4.3 at 12 weeks (wrong diagnosis of cycstic hygroma at 8 weeks...absolutely horrifying). We opted for an amnio it came back showing of genetic abnormalities. At the 20 week ultrasound there was a small amount of fluid around the heart. We had an echo and they couldn't find anything wrong. The rest of the pregnancy progressed smoothly and I have a beautiful, perfect 2 week old baby girl lying next to me as I type this. Hang in there.

This for us as well. Baby B was misdiagnosed due to a premature NT measurement. She's nursing now and absolutely perfect . We opted out of amnio due to risk. You are at increased risk for Downs due to your age. Why aren't you having an NT scan at 12w?